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Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can get a Cataract. Cataracts occur most often in people over 45 years old, and even more in people over 65. Adults may also develop Cataracts as a side effect of certain medications such as corticosteroids used to treat asthma or as a result of systemic diseases such as Diabetes. Some children are born with congenital Cataracts, which are unusual but may occur for a number of reasons related to the mother’s health during pregnancy.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed using the most advanced methods available. The procedure is painless and involves no stitches, patches, or injections. This suture-less, self-sealing cataract removal method was developed by Dr. Paul Ernest. During the cataract removal surgery, ultrasound is used to break up the cloudy eye lens and the lens pieces are removed. A new intraocular lens is implanted using a tiny, self-sealing incision that heals very quickly.

Because no blood vessels are cut, there is no bleeding. There are no stitches to remove and only a local or topical anesthesia is used. Patients heal very quickly and resume normal activities the next day.

As your vision begins to decline as a result of your cataract, you may have trouble doing your normal daily activities. Once your cataracts start to interfere with the things you enjoy to do like reading, knitting, golfing or driving - it may be time for you to discuss cataract surgery with your doctor.

Surgery to treat cataracts is an outpatient procedure where an eye surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens (IOL). There are many different options when it comes to IOLs, for a description of the options visit our lifestyle lens page.

We now perform Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery using the femtosecond laser in addition to performing traditional cataract surgery. Dr. Ernest and Specialty Eye Institute were the first practice in Michigan to use this state-of-the-art technology.

Also, YAG lasers are used in a later procedure to create a clear opening in the lens-containing membrane, if the membrane becomes cloudy following the original cataract removal.

The cost for cataract surgery will vary based on your insurance coverage, your insurance deductibles or co-pays, and which lifestyle lens option you choose. Cataract surgery is covered by most insurance plans along with a standard replacement lens. Some of the lifestyle lens options may be an additional out-of-pocket expense.

Dr. Ernest performs surgery at Blake Woods Surgery Center in Jackson, Michigan. Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis. You may be asked to skip breakfast and avoid drinking liquids, depending on the time of your surgery. Also, do not wear eye makeup, lotion, cologne, perfume, hair spray or any other hair products on the day of surgery. You will need to bring a driver with you that will stay for the entire time. Please expect to spend several hours at the surgery center the day of your surgery. Upon arrival at the facility, you will be given eye drops to dilate your pupils and perhaps a sedative to help you relax. A local or topical anesthetic will make the operation painless. After your procedure you will spend some time in recovery, your vision will be checked and then you will be release to go home.